said the ongoing conflict in Syria could only be resolved if the flow of foreign-sponsored militants and weapons into Syria stops.

Amir-Abdollahian made the remarks in a meeting with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Mohammed Qarqash on Wednesday.

The Iranian official further noted that the Islamic Republic of Iran sees negotiation with its neighboring countries as an effective way to fight against terrorism, extremism and sectarian strife in the Middle East.

Qarqash, for his part, said the crisis in Syria does not have a military solution, stressing the need for a political solution as the sole way out of the three-year crisis that has plagued Syria.

He also called for the further expansion of cooperation and consultation between Iran and the UAE on regional and international issues.

The two officials also discussed other regional issues, including the developments in Bahrain, Egypt and Yemen.

Syria has been gripped by deadly violence since 2011. Over 140,000 people have been reportedly killed and millions displaced due to the violence fueled by the foreign-backed militants.

Western powers and some of their regional allies - especially Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Turkey - are reportedly supporting the militants operating inside Syria.